Speaking at a joint press conference with the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, Mr. Bourita stressed that this 9th edition is a turning point in the action of the Alliance in view of the context, the number of participants, the results achieved and the spirit of Fez, while relying on the guidelines contained in the Message sent by HM King Mohammed VI to participants.

This international forum was a success at all levels with more than 1,500 participants, including official delegations representing states and governments, youth, associations and media, reflecting the interest in this edition at the regional and international levels, said Mr. Bourita.

The Minister also highlighted the remarkable participation of the UN Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres, as well as some 40 participants at the ministerial level, nine presidents of regional and international organizations and twelve former heads of state and government, which constitutes a precedent in the Alliance's meetings.

The Fez forum was also a success in terms of debates, he added, noting that this meeting comes at a time when the world needs to enshrine the values of dialogue, understanding, tolerance, listening and to prevail reason and wisdom.

The success of this forum is also reflected in its results which constituted an important development in the action of the Alliance of Civilizations, he said, explaining that the Fez Declaration adopted unanimously recalls the foundations behind the creation of this Alliance as well as it sets the objectives, priorities and action plan for the next period.

The Minister also noted that the Royal Message was an important moment in this edition, as a reference document for the action of the Alliance, which identified the problems and defined the approach to be followed for their treatment, noting that the participants were unanimous in stressing that the Royal Message is a basic reference for the Alliance's action.

The Royal Message highlights the authentic history of the Kingdom and its spiritual capital Fez, he added, stressing that the Moroccan genius, which has long succeeded in enshrining coexistence, can be a source of inspiration for other countries.

Referring to the African character of the Fez Forum, Mr. Bourita said that the Sovereign ensures that Africa is always present in the international agenda, noting that Guterres and Moratinos are convinced that Africa plays a major role in various areas.

Africa is a positive actor in a range of issues, including those related to dialogue among cultures and civilizations, he underlined.

The bet on the African character of the forum has been a success in view of the importance of the African presence and the remarkable contribution of the countries of the Continent, its youth and its civil society, said Bourita.

The Minister stressed the importance of holding meetings of this African component of the Alliance in order to develop mechanisms and action plans related to Africa, noting that investment in dialogue and peace is less costly than investment in conflicts, wars and negative agendas.

The role of Morocco, which always stands by the UN, on the High Instructions of HM the King, is not limited to the Fez Forum, he said, stressing that the Kingdom will support the future action of the Alliance of Civilizations.

For his part, Mr. Moratinos said that thanks to the leadership and vision of HM King Mohammed VI, the 9th forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) was a great success.

Mr. Moratinos expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Sovereign for His commitment and support to the organization of this meeting "the most successful since the first edition held in Madrid", as well as for the welcome and hospitality reserved for participants in Fez, recalling that the Kingdom is the first host country of this event on African soil.

He also stressed that the Royal Message addressed to the participants constitutes a deep reflection and a roadmap on all the actions that Morocco undertakes for the promotion of the values of mutual respect, brotherhood and understanding, considering that the Moroccan model constitutes a source of inspiration for the international community.

The UN official also indicated that the main points of the Royal Message were included in the Fez Declaration, adopted on Tuesday, saying he was impressed by the number of participants, especially at ministerial level.

Mr. Moratinos also welcomed the place given by the forum to the African continent, noting that Africa has, on this occasion, expressed its voice on how to approach the living together.